Everyone wants a fresh supply of homegrown cili padi — but if you’ve ever tried and failed (wilting, fungus, or no fruits), you’re not alone. The Malaysian heat and rain cycle can be tricky for chilli plants, but with the right setup, you’ll have a steady supply of spicy goodness for sambal and curry. Let’s break it down — no more chilli drama.
🌱 Which Chilli Variety is Best?
| Type | Local Name | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Cili Padi | Bird’s Eye | Sambal, ulam |
| Cili Besar | Red/Green Chili | Stir fry, garnish |
| Cili Bara | Compact, small & spicy | Balcony-friendly |
| Capsicum | Sweet pepper | Kid-friendly, less heat |
Get seeds or saplings from local nurseries or Shopee (look for “biji benih cili Malaysia”).
🪴 Step-by-Step: How to Grow Chilli in Pots
Step 1: Prepare Your Pot
- Pot size: 20–30cm diameter, with good drainage
- Fill with loamy soil mixed with compost or chicken manure pellets
Step 2: Germinate Seeds (if using seeds)
- Soak in water for 6–8 hours
- Sow in shallow trays or egg cartons
- Keep moist until sprouted (~5–7 days)
Step 3: Transplant Carefully
Once seedlings have 3–4 leaves, transfer to your main pot.
Step 4: Place in Sunny Spot
Chilli needs 6–8 hours of sunlight daily — ideal for balcony or porch.
💧 Watering Guide
| Weather | Watering Frequency |
|---|---|
| Dry/hot | Daily |
| Rainy | Every 2–3 days |
| After transplanting | Lightly every morning for 5 days |
Pro tip: Avoid overwatering — soggy roots = fungus and death.
🧪 Fertiliser Tips
- During early growth: Nitrogen-rich (e.g. compost, chicken pellets)
- Once flowering: Switch to potassium-rich fertiliser (banana peel water, bloom boosters)
- Feed every 10–14 days for best results
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✂️ When & How to Harvest Chilli
- Harvest once chilli turns bright red or green and firm
- Use scissors or pinch carefully at the stem
- Don’t wait too long — older fruits reduce new flower growth
🔁 Bonus Tip: Prune to Multiply
After first harvest, cut back the main stem slightly — this encourages side growth and doubles your fruiting branches.
🔁 Summary Checklist
✅ Full sun (6–8 hrs)
✅ Loose soil with compost
✅ Drainage holes in pot
✅ Monthly fertiliser change (growth vs flowering)
✅ Prune & rotate plants every few weeks
Still struggling with cili padi? Tag us @ProjectHarvestMY with your chilli babies — let’s grow spicy together! 🌶️🌱